Article by Jools Hill

There are 2 things in life that I really resent paying for: parking and checked-in cases. Because of this, I have become adept at getting the most from Jet2's hand baggage allowance on my trips out to Spain. 

Technically, I think it is called packing a 'capsule wardrobe', which sounds much better than being a 'tight Yorkshire lass'; whatever you call it, I save £60 on each trip by not checking in a bag and just taking hand luggage.

Here are some hints and tips that you may find helpful when packing for a weekend of walking in Andalucia with just hand luggage. 

Firstly, walking boots. Obviously, a key piece of equipment for safe walking in the hills, but they take up a huge proportion of the space in your hand luggage, even if you stuff them full of socks. So wear them instead. Ditto for a lightweight fleece and waterproof walking jacket. You may look slightly overdressed for the walk through Duty Free, but you'll free up space for other essentials.

Talking of essentials, a walking pole is a really useful piece of kit to take with you. Trekology do a great value folding version which fits neatly into the bottom of a small case and into the side pocket of your rucksack when you're on the trail.

The average-sized day pack can be used as your additional 'small piece of personal luggage that fits under the seat in front', and this means you don't have to waste valuable space packing it into your hand luggage.

 

Some folks choose to use single-use plastic bottles of water in the hills, but for a less wasteful option, slot a metal water bottle into the side pocket of your rucksack. A 1-litre compact water bladder is an even smaller option if you're short of space. Most airports now have free water stations where you can fill up after going through security.

Clothes-wise, you won't need much more than three walking tops that can double as evening wear (each worn the night before you wear them in the hills, not after!), one pair of long walking trousers, and a pair of shorts if your knees are feeling up for it. You don't necessarily need specialist walking gear, but quick-drying clothes do have the advantage of minimising the amount of stuff that you need to take with you: even if you are unfortunate enough to get caught in a passing shower, they will dry out overnight just hanging up in your room.

A hat/cap, 3 pairs of comfortable walking socks, and you're equipped for the hills. A neck buff is also a great piece of kit to keep the sun off your neck, and it takes up no space at all.

Evenings are a really casual affair, so jeans and a sweatshirt are all you'll need, together with PJs for when you retire fed and watered, tired and happy to bed.

Shoe-wise, all you'll need is a pair of comfortable trainers to wear when you're not in your walking boots.

Travel-sized toiletries are an obvious choice for weekend breaks, and most airport scanners no longer require you to take them out of your luggage at security. Alternatively, you can live a little and buy your toiletries when we stop at the supermarket on the way from the airport to the hotel. You may not be able to get your favourite brand of sun lotion, but you'll have a frisson of excitement the first time you use your 'El olor de la ropa fresca' deodorant...